Cara Wilson

Research scientist

Marine Ecosystems; Phytoplankton and Primary Production

Current role in the field of ocean sciences: Federal or State Employee

Area(s) of expertise within ocean sciences: I am a satellite oceanographer for the Environmental Research Division (ERD) at NOAA’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center in Monterey CA. My research interests are in using satellite data to examine bio-physical coupling in the surface ocean, with a particular focus on determining the biological and physical causes of the large chlorophyll blooms that often develop in late summer in the oligotrophic Pacific near 30°N. I serve as the National Marine Fisheries Service representative on a number of NOAA satellite-data related committees. I have been active in trying to elevate the usage of satellite data within the oceanic side of NOAA (NMFS and NOS). For the past 10 years I have organized and co-taught an annual course on satellite data for NOAA scientists.

Interest in becoming a mentor: I was a mentor at the last Ocean Sciences meeting and I enjoyed the experience. I also remember how daunting my first big conference was, and I would like to try to make that experience better for younger scientists.